Albania fast-tracks $302m US military loan

Parliament voted on Monday to fast-track approval of a $302 million US loan for military equipment.

The governing Socialists said the money would modernise the armed forces through the US Foreign Military Sales programme and finance equipment, systems and services that meet NATO standards.

They described the agreement as evidence of US confidence in Albania and said it would strengthen the country’s defence capacity.

The motion passed with 75 votes.

The opposition welcomed the loan but opposed the accelerated procedure. It said MPs had not received the full agreement before being asked to vote.

The funds could be used over four years, with repayment over up to 12 years.